SCP-6755 - SCP Foundation

SCP-6755

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SCP-6755 A Promise to The Pale Lady
Author: Kilerpoyo
This is part of a larger series. ¡Felíz día de Muertos!
⚠️ Content warning: This article contains a content warning: Religious Intolerance, LGBTphobia

rating: +123+–x

⚠️ content warning

Item#: 6755

Level4

Containment Class:

esoteric

Secondary Class:

uncontained

Disruption Class:

vlam

Risk Class:

caution

link to memo

Special Containment Procedures

The Foundation and the Horizon Initiative are currently collaborating to contain SCP-6755. False instructions for SCP-6755 should be spread through both physical and digital media, while accurate information is to be suppressed when possible. A negative view of the religious organization known as The Cult of the Pale Lady should be constantly promoted among the Mexican population by any means applicable, including but not limited to:

Mexican political, religious, and cultural personalities should be financially encouraged to constantly and publicly discredit The Cult of the Pale Lady.
Factual, exaggerated and fabricated accounts should be spread to push a narrative emphasizing the negative outcomes of SCP-6755 while downplaying the positive ones.
The Cult of the Pale Lady and the practice of SCP-6755 should be represented in media associated with superstition and taboo topics like brujería¹, human sacrifice, paganism, drug trade, organized crime, and deviant sexuality; as well as tragic ends for its practitioners.

Additionally, the Foundation should provide the Horizon Initiative with any logistical and financial aid necessary to maintain the FNS² campaign, aimed to dissuade the population from practices related to The Cult of the Pale Lady and SCP-6755.

Description

SCP-6755 is a thaumaturgic ritual that can be used to communicate with a being known as SCP-6755-2. A person can ask a petition to SCP-6755-2 in exchange for a "promise" that must not be broken. Petitions to SCP-6755-2 can range from mundane topics such as relationships and work to serious matters including life-or-death situations. There are reports of SCP-6755-2 rejecting petitions or requesting modifications. SCP-6755-2 reality bending abilities appear to be probabilistic in nature, instead of reality-warping. It will not accept any petition that defies known laws of physic or logic. If SCP-6755-2 agrees to the petition, it will demand the petitioner to "promise" something in return. The nature and exigency of the "promise" are usually similar and proportional to those of the requested petition. The "promises" requested by SCP-6755-2 are never beyond the range of what is physically, socially or economically possible for the petitioner. Agreement to keep the "promise" will result in the petition being granted, but failure to fulfill it will carry negative consequences to the petitioner. The severity of the consequences seems to be proportional and thematically related to the petition and "promise".

Alebrije sculptures

Tagetes erecta used in an altar

Instructions on how to perform SCP-6755 are shared among members of The Cult of the Pale Lady. The following procedure has been determined to have a 64% success rate in triggering SCP-6755. It is unclear if a more successful version of the ritual exists.

A three-level altar must be made. The tablecloth must be white on the top level, orange at the mid-level, and black on the bottom level.
Either a statue or a picture depicting a figure representing SCP-6755-2 must be put at the top level. This depiction usually consists of a skeletal figure wearing colorful robes or dresses.
Food and drink offerings should be put in the mid-level. These offerings should include products that are held in high regard by the petitioner.
At least three Alebrije³ sculptures should be placed on the bottom level.
At least two colored candles should be lit on the top level. Four should be on mid-level and eight on the bottom.
Tagetes erecta flowers should be put on every level of the altar.
The petitioner should place themselves kneeling in front of the altar.
The petitioner should make a small cut on their skin with an obsidian knife.
The petitioner must drop three drops of blood in a cup of hot chocolate.
The petitioner then will either verbally or mentally ask their petition to the Pale Lady.
The petitioner must drink from the chocolate cup.

SCP-6755-2 statues

If the ritual is successful, the petitioner will be transported to an alternate dimension presumed to house SCP-6755-2. They will be greeted by SCP-6755-2 and discuss the terms of the "promise". SCP-6755-2 can request changes or outright deny the petition, while the petitioner is able to decline making the "promise". After either accepting or denying "the promise", the petitioner will be brought back to Earth, always in front of the altar they made the petition from.

+ Recorded SCP-6755 "Promises"

Petitioner	Request	Promise	Outcome
Male, 47	To recover from terminal lung cancer	To refrain from smoking	The petitioner initially maintained the promise for a month and entered remission. However, he resumed smoking and died in a traffic accident 3 months later⁴.
Female, 25	To find true love	To volunteer daily at the local homeless shelter for 365 days	On the final day of her volunteering she befriended another volunteer. They have been married for 10 years.
Male, 15	To defeat a rival gang leader and take his place.	To never hurt a defenseless person.	The petitioner defeated his rival and became the gang's leader. During a robbery, he threw an elderly woman to the ground and repeatedly kicked her. He was shot by police 3 days later. Survived but lost both legs. He reportedly told interviewers "La Patrona no se anda con mamadas."⁵
Unspecified, 22	For their street food business to thrive	To always give a free meal to those who need it.	The business offers a free meal to anybody that can not pay. Despite this, its revenue is among the highest in its area to this day.

+ National Front For Salvation Dossier

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Frente Nacional por La Salvación

Recognizing the threat to society and normalcy represented by the increased proliferation of anomalous cults, the Horizon Initiative has devised a plan to counteract the corrupting influence of said heretic sects over the general population, especially among the youth.

The proposed campaign Frente Nacional por La Salvación has the aim of reinforcing Catholic values among the Mexican population in an effort to counteract the pagan influence of anomalous groups such as the so-called Cult of the Pale Lady. The Initiative is highly concerned about this impious group since we have good reasons to believe it is closely linked to the barbaric criminal organization Sin Nombre.⁶ Thus, any victory against the Pale Lady's followers is a victory in the war on anomalous drugs.

Since the liberation of the land that would become Mexico from the bloodthirsty and cruel Aztec Empire, the Catholic Church has been at the forefront of guarding the nation against the pagan anomalous threats that lie within its borders. Strengthening the historical commitment of the Mexican people to the Catholic Faith is crucial in this holy endeavor. For this reason, we have devised the FNS as a nationwide campaign with the following objectives:

To reinvigorate church attendance.
To discredit pagan practices such as The Cult of the Pale Lady.
To promote Catholic values among the Mexican population.
To prevent youth from consuming drugs, anomalous or otherwise.

In order to achieve said objectives, the FNS will promote the following tenets:

"Gente de bien"⁷ should not deal with the anomalous.
Only recognized Catholic Saints can intercede for divine intervention.
Drugs are a poor substitute for a close relationship with God.
Marijuana can increase violent tendencies.
Life begins at conception.
Marriage is between a man and a woman.
There are only two genders.
Premarital sex is a sin.⁸

The Horizon Initiative humbly but firmly requests Foundation's support for the FNS agenda. May our partnership protects the Veil and bring about a Kingdom of the Pure.

Cardinal Olvera.

+ Testing Log 67

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Video Testing Log 67

NOTE: A D-class was instructed to perform SCP-6755. The ritual was successful after the third attempt. The following recording was from a shoulder camera mounted on the D-class.

[BEGIN LOG]

00:03:04 The footage shows the POV from the D-class perspective. A three-level altar can be seen illuminated by candlelight. At the top of the altar, there is a statue depicting a robe-wearing skeleton. Two colorful animal-like statues rest at the bottom level.

D-2381: Do I have to do this again?

Researcher Ivañez: (Through the microphone.) D-2381, please repeat the last steps of the ritual.

D-2381: Pale Lady, please help me cure my cancer… (D-2381 proceeds to cut his finger with a small knife and lets the blood drop three times in a chocolate cup. He drinks from the cup.)

00:04:01 Suddenly there is noise interference in the video feed. The camera goes black. For a moment, a figure resembling a black moth can be briefly seen in the image.

00:04:07 The camera feed is back again. D-2381 seems to be in a field of orange flowers extending indefinitely into the horizon. The "sky" above him looks made from a type of blue rock.

Unidentified female voice: It's good to see you, Armando.

00:04:10 D-2381 turns back to find a white table with two chairs. There is a woman sitting. A teapot and two teacups are on the table. The woman is wearing a colorful dress and a big hat decorated with orange flowers. She seems to be wearing a type of black and white make all over her skin.

D-2381: Who are you? How do you know my name? God, it has been ages since somebody called me by my name.

SCP-6755-2: I know everything about you, "querido". I know everything about everyone. All the good, the bad, and the ugly. (SCP-6755-2 smiles directly at the camera.) And all of you know well who I am.

D-2381: So is this it? Is this how I end?

SCP-6755-2: Not yet, you still had some time. It seems you are here because you wanted to make me a petition.

D-2381: The cancer…

SCP-6755-2: That's what they told you to ask for… but that is not what you really want, right?

D-2381: I have done terrible things. I don't deserve a long life…

SCP-6755-2: It is not my place to judge.

D-2381: However, I would like to talk to her one last time before I go.

SCP-6755-2: And you will. You only have to promise one thing to me.

D-2381: Anything.

SCP-6755-2: That this time, when you tell her you are sorry… you really mean it.

00:16:09 The feed is cut by interference again. After a few moments of nothingness, D-2381 is again standing in front of the altar.

Aftermath: D-2381 was sentenced to disciplinary action for disobeying orders. However, a bug in the system scheduled him for transportation to a different site. The vehicle had a wheel failure and crashed. Surprisingly, there were no casualties or series injured. D-2381 was the only escapee. An unsuccessful manhunt was conducted for two weeks. He was found a week 3 in the hospital room of a coma patient [REDACTED]. Hospital personnel reported he had been there for 3 nights sobbing and murmuring "I'm sorry" to the patient. When asked why they had allowed him to stay, doctors reported he had been the only visitor in 5 years. D-2381 was recaptured and taken into custody but died of cancer complications before any disciplinary action could be taken.

After this incident, only personnel with Level 4 security clearance are allowed to participate in tests involving SCP-6755.

[END LOG]

Item#: 6755

Level4

Containment Class:

esoteric

Secondary Class:

uncontained

Disruption Class:

ekhi

Risk Class:

danger

link to memo

Special Containment Procedures

SCP-6755 is not currently under containment. Foundation-operated SATMEX⁹ should be kept monitoring the Mexican Republic territory for any abrupt increase in Akiva Radiation that could indicate a manifestation of SCP-6755.

In case of a confirmed SCP-6755 manifestation, MTF Omega-41 "Fieles Difuntos" should be deployed to the site of the incident. For the duration of the event, MTF Omega-41 should not interact with SCP-6755 unless necessary, preferably taking an observer role and setting a perimeter to prevent third parties from disturbing SCP-6755. Horizon Initiative specialists are allowed to take action against SCP-6755. After SCP-6755 demanifestation, MTF Omega-41 should apply amnestic treatment to civilian witnesses of anomalous activity or HI operations.

Containment procedures indicated for SCP-6755 in a previous iteration of this file should still be applied to contain SCP-6755-δ. Horizon Initiative's proposal to extend the FNS campaign are currently under review.

Update: After Incident 075 the deployment of ontokinetic weapons against SCP-6755 is currently under consideration by the O5 and the Ethics Committee.

Description

SCP-6755 circa 1912

SCP-6755 is a culture-bound Class XII theologically-ontokinetic humanoid entity specific to Mexican culture. SCP-6755 takes the form of a Hispanic female in calavera makeup¹⁰. SCP-6755 has been identified as the religious figure known as The Pale Lady¹¹. SCP-6755 can spontaneously manifest in seemingly random places and engage in mundane activities and casual socialization with present civilians. These events are usually not a threat to the Veil since SCP-6755 won't display any anomalous properties and most witnesses would assume it to be a cosplayer. The only identified anomalous side effect after interacting with SCP-6755 is a self-reported feeling of doubt about the nature of SCP-6755 facial makeup, though this feeling is usually dismissed.

+ Recorded sightings of SCP-6755

Date	Location	Description	Notes
November 2th, 1912	Central Alameda in Mexico City.	Exact details of this incident remain unknown. SCP-6755 was photographed by Abel Briquet.¹² Briquet wrote in his diary "Aujourd'hui j'ai pris une photo de la Mort".¹³	Akiva radiation on the surviving photographic evidence suggests the material was in proximity of a theological entity, presumed to be SCP-6755.
February 25th, 2010	An OXXO¹⁴ store in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl.	SCP-6755 entered the store and proceed to buy multiple products, including snacks and energy drinks.	When inquired by the cashier about why she was wearing calavera make-up if it was not Day of the Dead, SCP-6755 replied: "En México todos los días son Día de Muertos"¹⁵.
March 8th, 2012	A protest demanding justice for missing women in Ciudad Juárez.	SCP-6755 stood silently among the crowd.	Whether or not this incident has a deeper significance is still unclear.
June 26th, 2014	An anime convention in Puebla.	SCP-6755 arrived dressed as the Catrina character from the movie "The Book of Life", posed for several pictures with cosplayers, and consumed from present food venues, showing a preference for ramen and dumplings. It also reportedly purchased several mangas from the shoujo genre.	Interviewed attendants described interaction with SCP-6755 as a positive experience, however, they reported an uneasy feeling about its make-up: "Por momentos no sabía si estaba hablando con una Catrina maquillada o con una calavera real."¹⁶
October 13th, 2019	Visiting Leonora Carrington¹⁷ Museum in San Luis Potosí	It visited most of the exhibitions, took pictures, and bought souvenirs from the store, including a compilation of Carrington's short stories.	It left the following note in the guest book: "Amé. Leonora estará encantada cuando vea las fotos. UwU"¹⁸

SCP-6755-α is an alternate dimension where SCP-6755 is presumed to reside. SCP-6755-α consists of an enormous field of Tagetes erecta, also known as cempasúchil or flor de muerto¹⁹, seemingly extending infinitely in every direction. The "sky" above this field resembles the ceiling of a cavern painted in blue. It is unclear whether there are more areas in SCP-6755-α or if SCP-6755 is its only inhabitant. SCP-6755 has shown the ability to transport itself and others to SCP-6755-α at will.

SCP-6755 circa 2014 and 2019

SCP-6755-δ is a ritual for requesting an invitation to SCP-6755-α in order to meet and petition SCP-6755. If SCP-6755-δ is successful, an invitation to SCP-6755-α will be issued by SCP-6755 and the petitioner will be transported to it. Then SCP-6755 may be asked for a petition in exchange for a "promise". A more detailed overview of SCP-6755-δ can be consulted in the archived version of this file.

+ Video Log Incident 075

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Video Log Incident 075

NOTE: SCP-6755 was sighted in a coffee shop in Guadalajara. MTF Omega-41 secured the area while a HI Project Malleus Strike Team was dispatched. The strike team was equipped with anti-heretic blessed weaponry. The following recording is from the body cam of one of the Project Malleus operators.

[BEGIN LOG]

00:00:01 Footage starts at the inside of a van. Various Project Malleus operatives can be seen sitting. The van's door opens and the operatives begin descending. They advance through the street and enter the coffee shop.

00:03:51 SCP-6755 can be seen sitting at a table in the empty coffee shop, drinking from a mug. Civilians in the area had been previously evacuated by Omega-41

00:03:51 Project Malleus surrounds SCP-6755 and points their weapons at it. An operative holds a cross in their hand and points it toward SCP-6755 while reciting a prayer.

00:04:01 SCP-6755 looks annoyed. It raises the mug and throws hot coffee at the praying operative.

00:04:01 Project Malleus begins shooting at SCP-6755. However, at that point interference takes over the feed. The screen is black. For a moment, the face of a black dog can be briefly seen. The footage restarts. The operatives are in an extensive field of orange flowers.

00:05:14 A roar can be heard, the operatives look upwards. A giant multicolored creature resembling a horned axolotl descends to the field and devours one of the soldiers.

00:05:29 The operatives begin firing at the creature. It seems to be partially effective. The creature roars and begins retreating. Screams can be heard. Multiple creatures have emerged from the flowers. They vary in shapes and colors, some look like lizards or serpents, others mammalian and even avian, however, they all seem to blend characteristics of multiple species.

00:05:29 Taken by surprise, the Project Malleus operatives are taken down one by one by the creatures. The last one standing with the body camera. A blue-winged tiger with yellow feathers jumps over them and the footage gets cut by interference and goes to black.

00:06:01 The feeds start again, showing the coffee shop again. The mangled bodies of the operatives have been brought back. SCP-6755 is still there, looking directly at the camera. It flips a middle finger towards the camera, turns back, and begins walking away.

Aftermath: After this incident SCP-6755's disruption class was updated to Ekhi and its risk class to Danger.

[END LOG]

+ National Front For Salvation Dossier 2

+ Chat Log Posada-Ivañez

Item#: 6755

Level4

Containment Class:

esoteric

Secondary Class:

cernunnos

Disruption Class:

vlam

Risk Class:

caution

link to memo

Special Containment Procedures

Note: Containment procedures have been updated following Test 106.

Foundation-operated SATMEX²³ should be kept monitoring the Mexican Republic territory for any abrupt increase in Akiva Radiation that could indicate a manifestation of SCP-6755.

In case of a confirmed SCP-6755 manifestation, MTF Omega-41 "Fieles Difuntos" should be deployed to the site of the incident. For the duration of the event, MTF Omega-41 should not interact with SCP-6755 unless necessary, preferably taking an observer role and setting a perimeter to prevent third parties from disturbing SCP-6755. Under no circumstances should Horizon Initiative personnel be allowed access to SCP-6755. After SCP-6755 demanifestation, MTF Omega-41 should apply amnestic treatment to civilian witnesses of anomalous activity, though this measure is rarely necessary.

If SCP-6755 manifests in an event involving costume play, MTF Omega-42 "Eco Moda" should provide Researcher Posada with an outfit complementing SCP-6755's look on that evening. Researcher Posada shall accompany SCP-6755 and partake in social activities with it. Expenses will be covered by the Foundation.

All Foundation funding and support for the FNS shall be discontinued. The influence of the FNS in Mexican politics shall be counteracted by all viable means.

No action should be taken against the religious organization known as The Cult of the Pale Lady. Extensive measures should be taken to guarantee the human rights of members are protected.

False instructions for SCP-6755-δ can still be propagated to avoid an excessive proliferation of "promises".

Researcher Posada and SCP-6755 during a costume playe event.

Description

SCP-6755 is a culture-bound Class XII theologically-ontokinetic humanoid entity specific to Mexican culture. SCP-6755 takes the form of a Hispanic female in calavera makeup²⁴. SCP-6755 has been identified as the religious figure known as The Pale Lady²⁵. SCP-6755 can spontaneously manifest in seemingly random places and engage in mundane activities and casual socialization with present civilians. These events are usually not a threat to the Veil since SCP-6755 won't display any anomalous properties and most witnesses would assume it to be a cosplayer. The only identified anomalous side effect after interacting with SCP-6755 is a self-reported feeling of doubt about the nature of SCP-6755 facial makeup, though this feeling is usually dismissed.

SCP-6755-α is an alternate dimension where SCP-6755 is presumed to reside. SCP-6755-α consists of an enormous field of Tagetes erecta, also known as cempasúchil or flor de muerto²⁶, seemingly extending infinitely in every direction. The "sky" above this field resembles the ceiling of a cavern painted in blue. SCP-6755 has shown the ability to transport itself and others to SCP-6755-α at will.

+ Testing Log 106

- Close

Video Testing Log 106

NOTE: After getting O5 special approval, Researcher Posada performed SCP-6755-δ herself. The following recording comes from Researcher Posada's body cam.

[BEGIN LOG]

00:01:04 The footage shows the POV from Posada's perspective. In front of Posada, there is a three-level altar.

00:03:54 Researcher Posada takes a knife a makes a small cut on her finger, dropping the blood in the cup.

Researcher Posada: God make this work… (Posada takes a sip from the cup.)

00:04:01 Noise interference takes over the video feed. The silhouette of an unidentified winged creature can be briefly seen.

00:04:07 The camera feed is back again. Posada is at SCP-6755-α. In front of her, SCP-6755 sits at a white table. It is wearing a long black dress and a red fascinator hat with golden feathers.

SCP-6755: Malena, "cariño"… What brings you to my Cempasúchil Fields? (It gestures towards the table.) But where are my manners? Please take a seat, have some chocolate…

Researcher Posada: (Hesitantly approaches the table and sits.) I must assume you are the Pale Lady.

SCP-6755: I have been called that… as well as many other cool nicknames. People can be so creative when trying to avoid mentioning Death. (The being smiles.) Anyways, since you are already here, I need an opinion… do you think this hat fits with this dress? I like the combination but I can't help but feel like maybe I'm overdoing it. Does it scream "tryhard" to you?

Researcher Posada: Look… this is serious. I need to talk to you… (Makes a pause before taking a long breath.) The O5 is afraid of you and wants to nuke this place. Even if they don't do it, the GOC will. Meanwhile, the HI is creating a moral panic about you and your followers. They are using it to push their religious agenda and take over the country as we speak. Also, you may want to try a different hat.

SCP-6755: (Stops drinking from a mug.) That does indeed sound like a problem… (Removes its hat slowly.)

Researcher Posada My petition is for you to stop granting petitions. That will certainly calm the O5. If we are lucky, they may even do something about the HI.

SCP-6755: "Querida"… you may as well be asking the fire not to burn.

Researcher Posada: (Sights.) Why are you doing this? What do you get from all of this?

SCP-6755: For me? Nothing, I mean maybe occasionally I can ask for some "promise" that may actually be useful for me… but… in reality, I do it for them.

Researcher Posada: Who is them? Your cult?

SCP-6755: You all keep calling it a cult like they were some robed fanatics sacrificing goats. They are just people with no one else to turn to for hope. People who have decided that Death is the only thing they have left in Life. These are people I have to take care of. My people. They live short, brutal, and ungrateful lives. And while I'm the one friendly face waiting for them at the end of the line, I can't help but be moved by the plights. So I decided to give them a gift… of hope. A promise is just that… hope… hope that in the end things will be fine. This way they can feel less alone and scared in Life, knowing Death is a friend and not a foe.

Researcher Posada: So you help them… even if they are criminals?

SCP-6755: Criminals or saints. They all come to me in the end. Though most of them are neither.

Researcher Posada: (Sights.) Jesus… (Takes one of the mugs on the table and drinks from it.) This chocolate is delicious!

SCP-6755: Family recipe. (Smiles.) Truth be told there is something I'm getting from all of this. This job, you see. Can get very depressing. It takes a toll on you if you are not careful. I have a friend in this business and they are not taking the job very well. You have to self-care.

Researcher Posada: Is that the reason you visit the land of the living so constantly?

SCP-6755: Yes… to be Death you have to learn how to enjoy Life. Otherwise, this work will kill you. That's why I have to make it mean something. To keep helping the people. (SCP-6755 takes an orange flower from the field and hands it to Posada.) I made the promise to myself when I took this job, that I would not forget what it means. It helps me as much as it helps them.

Researcher Posada: (Takes the flower and looks at it for a few seconds.) Then keep doing it. I think I know what my petition is now.

SCP-6755: I'm all ears…

Researcher Posada: I ask you to not grant any petition that may compromise normalcy or the Foundation.

SCP-6755: That could work for me. However, I always have to ask for "promises" in return. And there are always consequences if you break it. Is not even that I'm vengeful, it is just the way this works.

Researcher Posada: The O5 gave me the authorization to negotiate with you within some limits. I hope it is something I am authorized to accept.

SCP-6755: You won't mess with my people. You let them be. I'm not asking for special treatment, if they do something bad you can do your thing. But you won't go after them for what they choose to believe.

Researcher Posada: This may just have saved Mexico from a fundamentalist coup d'état.

SCP-6755: As always, I'm glad to help. But since we are already here… There is something else that I want to add to the "promise".

Researcher Posada: Sure… go ahead…

SCP-6755: (Putting on a purple witch hat.) As I said before, I rarely get something that I really wanted from this "promise" business but… I actually put a lot of effort into my outfits. You see, there are some looks that can only be pulled in pairs, you know what I mean? The point is, I always have wanted someone to do matching cosplays with…

Researcher Posada: What?

Aftermath: After presenting this video as evidence, SCP-6755's disruption and risk class were lowered and its containment class was updated to Cernnunos.